Cops reveal link between car blaze and burglary

POLICE investigations have revealed a car which was set alight in a field had been stolen during a raid at a South Derbyshire home.

Derbyshire Police confirmed that a suspected incident of arson in a field off Dunsmore Way, in Midway, on Thursday evening had been linked with a burglary that saw a Ford Focus stolen from a home in Burton Road on Tuesday morning.

Firefighters from Swadlincote Fire Station, off Civic Way , spent nearly an hour putting out the flames after several members of the public got in touch to report an ‘out of control’ car fire.

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that officers were in attendance at a suspected arson incident in Midway on Thursday evening and investigations have revealed the car involved was the Ford Focus that was taken following a burglary from a house in Burton Road, Midway, on Tuesday.

“The car was discovered burning in a field off Dunsmore Way, Midway, at 9.45pm on Thursday.

“Firefighters were called to the blaze following reports from members of the public.

“No-one was reported as hurt.”

Police are now appealing for any witnesses to the burglary or the arson to come forward with any information.

They are also trying to trace a laptop that was also stolen during the break-in.

The burned-out vehicle has now been removed from the field and taken away for forensic testing.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to reports of a car on fire in Midway.

“One fire engine from Swadlincote attended and found a car well alight.

“Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus while putting out the blaze and left the scene at 10.13pm, after making the area safe.”

The field off Dunsmore Way has been used in the past as a dumping ground for items ranging from motorbikes to sofas.

Anyone with information about either incident is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.